Le Défi de l'Olympe

About the Event

Gemini said

Prepare for a high-altitude endurance test at the Défi de l’Olympe, returning on Sunday, April 5, 2026. This unique mountain challenge is hosted by Méribel Sport Montagne and takes place on the steep, scenic slopes connecting the spa town of Brides-les-Bains to the traditional village of Les Allues in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley. Unlike traditional trail races, this is a vertical endurance event where participants have six hours to complete as many ascents as possible. The concept is designed for those who love the "grind" of climbing: the descent is non-competitive and is handled by the Olympe gondola, allowing athletes to save their legs and focus exclusively on the upward struggle.

The race profile features a concentrated 3.5 km loop with a significant 520 meters of positive elevation gain per lap. The 2026 edition continues to be a focal point for the regional trail community, serving as part of the "12h de montées en Tarentaise" challenge in partnership with the Montée du Funi (scheduled for April 25, 2026). Whether competing as a solo climber, in a duo relay, or opting for the single "dry ascent" sprint, participants will navigate the gorge's technical trails just as the winter season transitions to spring. With its festive atmosphere centered around the Place du Centenaire, the Défi de l’Olympe is a definitive local tradition that celebrates both athletic grit and the breathtaking scenery of the Three Valleys.

Event Category	Distance / Vertical Gain	Start Time
6h Solo / Duo Challenge	3.5 km / 520 m D+ (per lap)	10:00 AM
Single Dry Ascent (Montée Sèche)	3.5 km / 520 m D+	02:00 PM
Bib Collection Venue	Place du Centenaire, Brides-les-Bains	08:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Race Finish & Awards	Brides-les-Bains	04:00 PM (Finish) / 05:30 PM (Awards)

Demographic Metric	Regional Statistics (Savoie, France)
Total Population (Les Allues/Méribel)	Approx. 1,750 Residents (Village base)
Total Population (Brides-les-Bains)	Approx. 430 Residents
Regional Median Age	42.3 Years
Primary Economic Driver	Winter Sports & Thermal Tourism

Races Offered

6-hour relay challenge

Apr 05, 2026

straighten

Distance — 6H

terrain

Type — Running

timer

10:00

sell

€50.00

6-hour solo challenge

Apr 05, 2026

straighten

Distance — 6H

terrain

Type — Running

timer

10:00

sell

€30.00

Dry climb

Apr 05, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

14:00

sell

€10.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Les Allues.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 0.7° / 11.8°

wb_sunny -2.2° / 9.1°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 4.0 /

water_drop 74.6%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 0.7° / 11.8°

wb_sunny -2.2° / 9.1°

air 4.0 km/h

water_drop 74.6%

About Les Allues

Learn more about the host city, Les Allues.

Les Allues is a commune in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Southeastern France. As of 2023, the population of the commune was 1,736. Les Allues is best known for containing the Méribel ski resort and its surrounding Méribel les Allues area; the southernmost part of the commune is covered by Vanoise National Park.